I live in New Zealand. Given the regulations here, would it be possible for me to own an operational fighter jet? If so, what steps would I need to take to be qualified to fly it? It is highly unlikely that an individual can own an operational fighter jet in New Zealand due to strict regulations on the ownership and operation of military-grade equipment. The New Zealand government has strict laws and policies regarding immigration, residency, and citizenship. To fly a fighter jet, one would need to have extensive training and qualifications, which would likely require military experience and training. It is important to note that owning and operating a fighter jet is not only expensive but also dangerous, and it is not recommended for individuals to attempt to do so without proper training and authorization.

To own and operate an aircraft in New Zealand, one must obtain a pilot's license and register the aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA regulates all aspects of aviation in New Zealand, including aircraft ownership, operation, and maintenance. To obtain a pilot's license in New Zealand, one must meet certain requirements, including age, medical fitness, and English language proficiency. The individual must also complete a certain number of flight hours and pass a series of written and practical exams. Once the pilot's license is obtained, the individual can then register the aircraft with the CAA and obtain the necessary permits and certifications to operate the aircraft. Do you know a single person in the world who owns a working fighter jet? And if you do, can you tell me more about how he or she get this plane or planes?
Actually, there are more than one person that owns a working fighter jet, and some people even have more than one. Here are several famous owners:

- Don Kirlin is the founder and owner of Air USA, a government contractor that provides tactical aircraft services such as training. His "air force" includes Hawks, L-39 Albatrosses, MiG-21 Mongols, MiG-29 Fulcrums, F/A-18A/B Hornets, etc. The L-39s, MiGs, and their parts are from Kyrgyzstan and other former Soviet Union countries that could no longer afford to fly that many jets. The Hornets are soon to be retired from the Royal Australian Air Force.

- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen had owned a MiG-29 Fulcrum, which was sold to Jared Isaacman, an American businessman and pilot. The plane was for sale in the international market in 2005 by Ukraine before being demilitarized, and imported to the US by John Sessions, a warplane aficionado. It was then reassembled, restored, and purchased by Paul Allen.

- The Collings Foundation owns an F-4D painted as the Vietnam War Aces Steve Ritchie and Chuck DeBellevue's plane. It is the only flyable privately owned one, and it took an act of Congress to allow the plane to be returned to flight status.
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has the world's largest private jet plane collection, including some old fighter jets. He's a very rich guy who loves planes.